What is the importance of sleep?

Therapist in Palatine, IL

Everyone knows what sleep is, but not everyone is getting enough of it. In fact, according to the American Sleep Association, 50-70 million American adults have a sleep disorder. Insomnia is the most common disorder with 30 percent of people suffering from short term insomnia, and another 10 percent from insomnia that is chronic.*Inadequate sleep can lead to devastating problems that could potentially worsen unless something changes for the better. Consider this advice from an insomnia doctor, like a therapist in Palatine, IL, you can count on for a good night’s rest.

Sleep 101

There might be thousands of sleep studies, but no one really knows why human beings need to sleep. Some theories suggest that sleep helps the brain to consolidate the previous day’s memories. Others think sleep helps the body to heal and recover. Whatever the reason might be, we need good sleep every day. Good sleep can result in higher home and work productivity. It can reduce stress and depression, improve health, and alleviate daytime sleepiness.

How Much Sleep is Needed?

An insomnia doctor might suggest around 8 hours of sleep per day. However, this doesn’t apply to everyone. For example, there are people who do fine on 5-6 hours of sleep and others seem to need 9-10 hours of sleep. Young children, on the other hand, require about 13-14 hours of sleep per day. The average person gets about 6.5 hours or less of sleep each day.

The Importance of Sleep

All too often a spouse, parent, or adult sacrifices their sleep for their family, job, or social life. This typically results in sleep deprivation. You might even take a moment to ask yourself about the last time you had a solid 8 hours of sleep? A lack of sleep can lead an adult to drink copious amounts of caffeine during the day to stay awake. Others might struggle to stay awake while driving, or be unable to fully pay attention to their children in the evenings. Sufficient sleep can stop these unhealthy patterns or behaviors

The Effects of Inadequate Sleep

Poor short term memory

Slowed cognitive response

Increase in cortisol levels (i.e. suggestive of higher amounts of stress on the body)

Decrease in leptin levels (i.e. causes hunger pains and weight gain)

Lowered immunity to illnesses and disease

Increased risk for body inflammation, heart disease, and hypertension

Do You Have a Sleep Problem?

If you believe you have a sleeping disorder, like insomnia, consider the following questions. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of them, it might be a good idea to talk with an insomnia doctor.

Do you have a hard time falling asleep?

Does your mind wander or race while you sleep?

Do you find it difficult to relax?

Does it take you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep?

Do you find yourself upset or sad about your inability to sleep?

Do you worry about being able to sleep before you’re even going to bed?

There are treatments for insomnia. To learn more, call a skilled insomnia doctor today.

WHY CHOOSE US?

We are so thankful to be on this journey to wellness with you. We recognize that making changes in your physical, emotional, and spiritual health is often difficult and overwhelming and our goal is to create a nurturing, open, inviting, and serene healing space to help you navigate all of life’s challenges.